FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 9, 2009
CONTACT: ELIZABETH RAY OR  MARY BETH HUTCHINS AT 703-683-5004

National Organization For Marriage Reacts To New Jersey Senate Vote Delay

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) responded to New Jersey Sen. Pres. Richard J. Codey announcement that he was pulling Thursday's long announced vote on gay marriage in the New Jersey state Senate and sending the issue to the Assembly instead.

“Gay marriage advocates used their political muscle to insist on a vote in New Jersey on gay marriage on Thursday, and they called it off for one reason alone: they knew they were going to lose. The overwhelming outpouring of phone calls and letters from regular voters was opposed to gay marriage in New Jersey, as it was in New York. I have news for the bill’s sponsors and its proponents: the votes are not there in the Assembly either,” said Brian Brown executive director of NOM. “Do they really think Assembly members are less attuned to the will of the people than state senators?”

“Sadly, after using their money and political muscle to strong arm a reluctant state Senate into a gay marriage vote they could not win, these same advocates are now pulling a fast one, declining to permit a vote, and taking the Assembly's time away from issues that are of far higher priority with the people of New Jersey,” said Maggie Gallagher president of NOM. “Trenton politicians should start listening to voters' priorities, stop messing around with marriage, and get back to work.”

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, contact Elizabeth Ray (x.130) or Mary Beth Hutchins (x.105) at 703-683-5004.